‘A pleasant drive’ yields treasure trove of history, good eats
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a “pleasant drive.”
Well, here we are in the midst of the spring season, and I can’t think of a better time to get out and experience the wonderful outdoors. Some will find pleasure in traipsing along one of the many trails meandering through the state while others will spend a bulk of their free time navigating Arkansas’ beautiful waters, which are bountiful.
I, too, will be participating in the aforementioned activities during the weeks and months to come. However, there will also be times when I am equally as satisfied with simply loading up in the rig and embarking upon a drive, occasionally stopping to get a closer look at various plants, animals and other intriguing scenes along the way.
That in mind, I thought this would prove a great time to cover a specific route, which all could enjoy, regardless of their physical capabilities or limitations. In fact, the drive I am referring to is a jaunt that I have enjoyed many times throughout the years.
This particular drive makes its way through forested and rural settings, lending to several views of creeks and small rivers, alongside the remnants of two C.C.C. camps, within a stone’s throw of two structures that have earned their spots in the National Register of Historic Places and will end at the banks of a beautiful flood control reservoir secluded in a forest setting.
We’ll begin our journey by heading north on Park Avenue, from Hot Springs, and taking a left onto Highway 7 north, just after passing Fountain Lake School. From the Highway 7 intersection, head north.
From the junction, we will meander alongside many houses for the first 12, or so, miles, but after passing Jessieville School, the number of residences within sight of the roadway lessens significantly. In fact, the highway will be making its way through the heart of the Ouachita National Forest soon thereafter.
Our first stop will be located where the national forest begins, 16 miles from the Highway 7 intersection. The Iron Springs Recreation Area will be located on the road and is nestled along the banks of the middle fork of the Saline River.
Iron Springs is rather small in comparison to some of the other recreation areas throughout the state. However, its small stature is no indication that it has nothing to offer.
The scenery and atmosphere, alone, are more than enough to deem a stop worthwhile. But Hunts Loop Trail is also accessible from the destination, and makes a 4-mile loop prior to returning to the starting point.
OK, let’s jump back in the rig and continue north for a short jaunt to the remnants of a C.C.C. Camp. Although there isn’t much left of this particular camp, I would suspect that those who take the time to get out and do a little exploring would find enough to deem the stop of interest.
Now, let’s jump back in the rig and embark upon a winding journey to yet another C.C.C. Camp that left behind far more evidence of its existence during the Great Depression.
A few foundations remain at the Hollis C.C.C. Camp. The grounds are somewhat manicured and a designated path meanders through the property. Vaulted toilets are also located at the parking area.
The Hollis Country Store is one of the aforementioned structures on the National Register of Historic Places and is situated 27 miles from the Highway 7 intersection.
The structure was built between 1931 and 1932. The business is still open to the public and is a great location where one might consider stopping and purchasing a snack and a drink.
I have stopped in and chewed the fat with Connie, the previous store owner, many times, and have been known to order a sandwich or two throughout the years.
However, new owners recently purchased the store. I’ve not had the opportunity to meet them yet, but I am confident that they, too, will be pleasant, and I am looking forward to getting acquainted with them as well.
OK, now that our hunger pains have been addressed and our thirst quenched, let’s continue north for one more mile and take a left onto Highway 314.
We’ll remain on 314 for 7.8 miles and take a left onto Shepherds Ford Road. The dirt road will parallel and will cross the South Fourche Lafave River soon thereafter.
The route then makes its way alongside a few home places and will eventually run alongside the other structure that is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located on the right-hand side of the road, the Hawk School is definitely a place where those who enjoy history should stop and do a little exploring. The structure is well maintained and folks are allowed to enter the building.
The building was built in 1911 and classes were held at the oneroom facility until closing in 1949. I have often stood in front of the building and tried to imagine students walking to and arriving at the school during its early years.
I always paint a picture in my mind of boys donned with overalls and the young ladies sporting dresses made from flour sacks. I had the pleasure of knowing a fella who actually taught at the Hawk School. And although he has since passed he shared stories with me of how he also walked to school.
Upon entering the building, my imagination continues to soar, as several weathered benches, which I suppose they used for desks, are still intact. It’s always hard to fathom students of all ages sharing a classroom.
However, I suspect there was a noticeable decline in the numbers of the older students that attended during the planting season and when crops were ready to be harvested.
OK, let’s jump back in the rig and continue our drive along the unpaved road. At 3.2 miles from the 314 intersection, make a righthand turn at the Dry Fork Lake sign.
Continue along the main road for a short distance and veer right just before crossing the dam. The launching ramp is located on the left at the bottom of the hill.
Of course, this is a popular spot, but one can remain on the main road and continue alongside the shoreline to where it necks down and eventually transforms into a small secluded river.
Although the main body of the 105-acre lake is open, this section is bountiful with stick-ups and dead snags lurking just below the surface. Of course, those who are fishing from boats must show caution while navigating these waters; however, the natural cover does produce an optimal habitat for native game fish to thrive.
I have been known to fish these waters from time to time. And I have been known to throw a few decoys out during duck season. But I often embark upon an excursion to this particular location with the sole intentions of capturing images of its natural beauty. In fact, I recently spent an entire night at the lake’s edge, photographing the night sky.
Yep, the aforementioned road trip is a route that I have enjoyed time and time again. And although many will choose to backtrack to their homes, I suspect they’ll notice even more beautiful scenes along the way, as they will see the route from a totally different perspective.